Dala Town is an online video lifestyle magazine, celebrating life in the Smoky Valley.

We bring you stories of the heritage of the old country mixed with modern local flavor; stories of the people behind the businesses, education, fine art, foods, crafts, community organizations, festivals, and sports.

Stay connected with us through social media, email updates and live coverage so you can enjoy what life in Dala Town is all about!

celebrating life in the Smoky Valley

Nov 24

Nov 24 Svenska Spoken Here

The sounds of "Svenska," or Swedish, can be heard Monday nights at the Lindsborg Community Library, spoken in spurts and streams of the language that once lived here. “I take it slowly, I take it gently. We have a lot of fun and we laugh a lot,” said instructor Gretchen Esping.

Gretchen Esping leads the Monday night class in a conversation.

The Elementary Swedish Class formed in September with about 30 members coming and going each Monday as their schedules allow. “It’s been wonderful and I keep thinking this isn’t going to last!”

Esping lived with her family in Sweden for five years and began speaking the Scandinavian language by being immersed in the culture when she was 35 years old.

That experience, she says, gives her great empathy and understanding for her students. “I realize the amount of patience it takes to learn another language when you have to make every single sound and you have to work and work and work.”

Chester Peterson enjoys a story.

Fueled by fika (Swedish coffee break), students have a chance to socialize and converse in Swedish and English.

Jennifer Ebling said the class has given her a chance to test her words with a group that has a common goal. “I always wanted to learn Swedish and it’s easier than trying to do this on my own.”

Some of the tools Esping uses include a workbook that has an audio companion of native Swedes' conversations so the class can read, listen and follow along. Singing from a Swedish songbook is also a highlight that fills the night with the sounds of the Christmas season.

For more information about Lindsborg events, visit https://www.dalatown.com/calendar/

Dala Town is an online video lifestyle magazine, showcasing the people and community of the Smoky Valley in the Lindsborg, Kansas area.

We bring you stories of the heritage of the Old Country mixed with modern local flavor through video, photography and articles. Stay connected with us through social media, email updates and live coverage so you can enjoy what life in Dala Town is all about! Our free email subscription will keep you in the know!